Sundance 880 Optima FLO2 error

Hi

Have a 2010 Sundance Optima 880 spa (OXO3LCD-100378459-0710) giving me FLO2 error.

The controller is 6600284 Rev G

After dropping the curtain to look for the flow switch (and giving it 2 power cycles) it came back to life. When it wasn’t running, flow switch open—closed once flow resumed.

Ran spa for about an hour and all was well. After putting the right hand panel with the radio back together, I found the radio was not working.

Went to track down 12 v but dinner was calling so I buttoned it up.

Went back today to work on radio and FLO2 error was back.

Opened up controller and found 30 a fuse holder charred on one end but was still passing voltage.

Not wanting to add another problem should I break it, I left it for later.

I found 120v on the white conductor going to the circulating pump and 120 v on the black wire coming from the terminal strip TB 404-10. Bad circulating pump?

Went back to the 30 a bakelite fuse holder and popped the fuse. The feed side of the holder was melted and the retaining screw for the clip was partially pulled out and frozen in the melted bakelite. Should probably replace it once everything is back.

Cleaned the fuse and the spring clips—couldn’t re-install the torq holding screw for the spring clip.

So—possibly bad circulating pump? Bad 12v supply for radio?

I figure you probably have a little more experience with thing than I . Thanks!

Replies

  1. Nigel

    Reply

    George when you have a FLO2 message and it returns after a reset of the power it normally is either a bad connection at the Flow switch or PWA or bad/broken flow switch wire or a bad Flow switch. Disconnect the two spade connectors behind the stereo coming from the stereo power supply. You should have 12-15VDC here. If you don’t you have a bad power supply for the stereo. If you do have 12-15VDC you may have a bad stereo deck. You should replace your burnt fuse holder. If all else fails contact your local Sundance Support Desk to book a diagnostic and repair of your Sundance Spa.

    • George

      Reply

      Hi–sorry—gave some bad info re: circulating pump wiring.

      The black lead to circulating pump comes from TB 402-2—NOT as I stated TB4-10

      Earlier today, I pulled the connector for the flow switch and rang it out—infinity. Couldn’t see if it closes when the pumps come on because the controls are all locked out

      When I restored power to the spa, it worked.

      While it was working, I determined that I had 240v feeding the 12v supply but no DC out. Fortunately, after spending $1000+ for the JBL system, it sounded so bad we never used it anyway. Same goes for the IR remote.

      Turned off spa, put all covers back on and when I turned it on again, I got FLO error—not FLO2. Power cycled it again, and this time it came up with FLO2 once more.

      As I type this, I just discovered my 5 year warranty is in effect till Sept. Maybe it’s time to give them a call?

      I see the warranty doesn’t cover the radio—is the 12v supply JBL or Sundance?

      Thanks again!

      • Aqua-tech Support

        Reply

        George, the stereo power supply should be available from your local Sundance Support Desk. If all else fails contact your local Sundance Support Desk to book a diagnostic and repair of your Sundance Spa.
        If the power supply is not available through your local Sundance Support Desk contact our order desk for pricing and availability: parts@aqua-tech.ca

  2. Dave C

    Reply

    Sundance 880 Majesta. 2010 (?) install.
    FLO2 error. Tried disconnecting flow switch wire, that enabled circulation pumps to run. Hooked wires back up, same FLO2 issue. Tried multiple times powering off, powering on, wires connected, not connected. Same error message.
    Then removed flow switch to see if something was clogging or freezing it. (There wasn’t)
    Replaced flow switch (with original). This time after several cycles, the switch kicked in, and everything appeared to be working- pumps and heater. Figuring that problem was fixed, reconnected flow switch wire, and powered hot tub back up. Not working! Now the error message (with flow switch wire disconnected again) says COOL – 59F – FLO. And circulation pump is not working. Help!

    • Nigel

      Reply

      Dave start with your filter and make sure it is clean. In fact run the spa without a filter for 10min or so to see if the FLO message goes away. Make sure there is no large debris in the filter connect area that can get sucked down the pipe for that 10min. If the filter is good make sure your circ pump is set to run 24hrs and the spa is in standard mode. Make note of the time of day on the topside control and set the circ pump start time 2-3 min ahead of this time. Then cycle the power briefly to the spa. The circ pump should start up at your new start time. If it doesn’t then check for 240VAC at the circ pump points on the PWA. If you have power at the circ pump points but it is not turning on you could have a bad circ pump. Bench test the circ pump before replacing it or if you don’t have a bench with 240VAC to test it you could take the line and neutral wires from the circ pump and connect them to your main spa power coming in at TB1 to see if the circ pump runs. If the circ pump checks out start troubleshooting further with the Flow switch wire connections at the sensor harness where the harness connects to the PWA. Cut the power to the spa, remove the harness and give each of the two Flow sensor wires a tug to see if they stay in place or come out of the harness. If they come out of the harness then they need to be re-secured in the harness to make sure they are making good contact on the pins of the PWA. Sometimes you need to adjust the tine locks on the box end connector of the sensor wires. If your connections are good you can test the Flow switch with your multimeter. Set your multimeter to ohms and have the paddle of the Flow switch touch the post. Touch one of your multimeter probes to the red wire and one to the black wire. You should have a reading of continuity in this position. Then have the paddle not touching the post. You should have an infinite reading this way. If you don’t have these readings you could have a bad Flow switch or a Flow switch that is working intermittently. If your circ pump checks out and your Flow switch checks out you could have a bad PWA. If you would like some pricing and availability on Filters Flow switches, Circ pumps and or PWA’s send us your serial number for your Sundance Majesta Spa and we can send you a purchase link.

  3. Frank

    Reply

    The FLO2 just came on, tub is cold, nothing is working. What should I check first?

    • Nigel

      Reply

      Frank power cycle your spa for 5min and see if the FLO2 message goes away. When you have a FLO2 message and it returns after a reset of the power it normally is either a bad connection at the Flow switch or PWA or bad/broken flow switch wire or a bad Flow switch. Also have a look through the clear Flow switch T fitting for anything that may have gotten wrapped around the paddle assembly.

  4. Terry

    Reply

    Does the Flow Switch need to be facing a certain direction?

    • Nigel

      Reply

      Hi Terry. What make and model spa do you have? Year built if possible. You can find year built on the id label.

  5. Jerry RN

    Reply

    2004 sundance optima spa working fine week before. this weekend flo2 code. Checked filters removed filter no changes. Finally replaced flo2 switch. still not working. I disconnected flow switch from PWR all pumps worked but not heater. What should I do now? Thanks

    • Nigel

      Reply

      Sounds like a bad connection at the flow switch and or a bad flow switch Jerry.

  6. J Reid

    Reply

    I moved my tub and refilled it, now it shows a FLO code and COOL code. The circulating pump is buzzing and hot to the touch. I’m thinking the pump is pooched. Optima 880 tub. Number 1 & 2 pumps and blower are working.
    Thoughts?

    • Nigel

      Reply

      Hi J Reid. What is the serial number of your Optima or what is the date code of the spa? I may have some pointers and parts recommendations for you based on the date built.

  7. Gary

    Reply

    Flow 2 cool
    Flow switch is half filled with water tried putting Gardenhoses through filter hole
    Drained through the discharge some of the water in the spa and now no power at all turned power on and off several times but still nothing showing on the panel

    • Nigel

      Reply

      Hi Gary. What is the serial number of your spa?

    • Nigel

      Reply

      Check your main power coming in at TB1 with your multimeter Gary. You should have 230 V there. If you don’t then check your GFCI breaker or have an electrician check incoming power from the GFCI. If you do have 230 V then check your main 30amp fuse. Kill the power and pop the fuse out and do a continuity check across the fuse with your multimeter set to ohms. If you have continuity across the fuse it is a good fuse.

  8. Joe Lusk

    Reply

    Juts a follow up. I pulled the black wire from the flow switch and power cycled again and everything started back fine with string water flow. I plugged the wire back in and it is continuing to operate now. I am assuming it will switch off again eventually, so does this sound like the flow switch is bad?

    • Nigel

      Reply

      What model Sundance Spa do you have Joe and do you have your 9 digit serial number handy?

  9. Joe Lusk

    Reply

    Capri 880 0CP3LCD-100370867-0410

  10. Sean

    Reply

    I am also getting the FLO2 after refill and restart for the season. Reading through the other advice here, I will be checking V going to the circ pump and checking the flow switch wiring. I filled it last night and when I turned it on it ran as expected with cold water for hours (COOL and ICE were displayed and Jet 1 was auto running until water warmed up). But when I went back and looked this morning, the water was fully heated, but the FLO2 error was up. Now it won’t reset even with power cycles. I’m getting no circ pump operation, not even noise or heat. Does a bad flow switch wire/connection cause the circ pump to not come on?

    • Nigel

      Reply

      What’s the serial number of your spa Sean?

  11. Sean

    Reply

    Serial # 100321197. It is an ’08 Majesta.

    • Nigel

      Reply

      Sean, when the FLO2 code comes up it means the Flow switch is shorted (closed) on startup, disabling everything except the ICE2 mode. This would include the circ pump. Almost always it’s an indication of a bad connection at the Flow switch and or a bad Flow switch. Do check the flow switch to make sure there is not debris wrapped around the paddle however before you install a new switch. Sometimes power cycling the spa for 15min will clear the FLO2 code but if it’s a bad Flow switch it will return again. Sometimes to a point where it can’t be cleared anymore with a power cycle. Flow switches are in stock for that model Majesta. Here is a link to purchase one if you like: https://shop.aqua-tech.ca/products/sundance-spas-jacuzzi-flow-switch-pn-6560-860

  12. Rosemarie

    Reply

    Sorry for the choppy messages, it looks like flo switch is stuck closed. Is there a way to manipulate the switch mechanically without having to replace it?

    • Nigel

      Reply

      If the paddle is stuck touching the post Rosemarie you could remove the hoses from each end of the flow switch and see if something is wrapped around the flow switch ie dirt, debris, hair etc that can be removed. Depending on regional weather this procedure may be prohibitive at this time.

  13. Rosemarie Jankewicz

    Reply

    Can the flow switch wires be purchased separately? Upon further troubleshooting, It appears the red wire for the flow switch is loose inside the connector pin; maybe just the actual connector can be replaced on the wire? Tub works for a while but I’m guessing the vibrations of the pumps loosen it after time.

  14. Jackir

    Reply

    My fl02 sensor is on on my Sundance spa and I cannot change anything on the main panel. The hot tub is now cold. What do you think the problem might be?

  15. Allan Pilloff

    Reply

    sundance 880 cameo 2013. i also have a flo2 reading. not flashing. tried changing all filters and drained all water and refilled., spa lights work but thats all. took new filter out stil no power to pumps. still have flo2 showing. thanks allan

    • Nigel

      Reply

      Do you have any water movement through the waterfall Allan?

  16. Allan Pilloff

    Reply

    no water moving from waterfall, opened nob completely.

    • Nigel

      Reply

      In most cases this indicates a bad flow switch Allan. Check the flow switch cable from the flow switch to the board for breaks and for a solid connection. If that checks out you could have a bad flow switch.

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